Niviuk Hook 4, User Manual

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horizontal speed and you are not in control of the paraglider. The air
circulation over the profile is interrupted and the wing enters into a
situation similar to parachuting.
To carry out this manoeuvre you have to take the B-lines at the maillons
height leaving them as base in the hand palm avoiding taking the A&B
together. Pull symmetrically down (approx. 20-30cms) and then hold this
position. The initial phase is quite physical (hard resistance) which means
that you will have to pull strongly until the profile of the wing is deformed,
when this happens the required force will then significantly reduce. To
maintain this manoeuvre you must continue to hold the B Lines in the
pulled down position. The wing will then become deformed, horizontal
speed drops to 0 km/h and vertical speed increases to –6 to –8 m/s
depending on the conditions and how the manoeuvre has been carried out.
To exit the manoeuvre, simultaneously release both risers, the wing will
then slightly surge forward and then automatically return to normal flight.
It is better to let go of the lines quickly rather than slowly. This is an easy
manoeuvre but you must remember that the wing stops flying, it loses
all horizontal movement and its reactions are very different compared to
normal flight.
5.3 SPIRAL DIVE
This is a more effective way for rapidly losing height. You have to
know that, the wing can gain a lot of vertical speed and rotation speed
(G force). This can cause a loss of orientation and consciousness
(blackouts). These are the reasons why it is best to carry out this
manoeuvre gradually so your capacity to resist the G forces increases
and you will learn to fully appreciate and understand the manoeuvre.
Always practice this manoeuvre when flying at high altitude.
To start the manoeuvre, first lean your bodyweight and pull the brake line
to the side to which you are leaning. You can regulate the intensity of the
turn by applying a little outside brake.
A paraglider flying at its maximum turn speed can reach –20 m/s,
equivalent 70 km/h vertical speed and stabilize in a spiral dive from 15
m/s onwards.
These are the reasons why you should be familiar with and know how to
carry out the exit methods.
To exit this manoeuvre you must progressively release the inside brake
and also momentarily apply outside brake. Whilst doing this you must
also lean your bodyweight towards the outside. This exit manoeuvre has
to be carried out gradually and with smooth movements so you can feel
the pressure and speed changes at the same time.
The after effect of the exit manoeuvre is that the glider will rock briefly with
lateral surge, depending on how the manoeuvre has been carried out.
Practice these movements at sufficient altitude and with moderation.
6. SPECIAL METHODS
6.1 TOWING
The HOOK 4 does not experience any problem when being towed. Only
qualified personnel should handle the qualified equipment to carry out this
operation. The wing has to be inflated in the same way as in normal flight.
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT
Although the HOOK 4 has been tested by expert acrobatic pilots in
extreme situations, it HAS NOT been designed for acrobatic flight and we
DO NOT recommend continued use in this type of flight. Acrobatic flight
is the youngest discipline in free flight. We consider acrobatic flight to be
any form of piloting that is different to normal flight. To learn safely how
to master acrobatic manoeuvres you should attend lessons which are
carried out by a qualified instructor and over water. Extreme manoeuvres
take you and your wing to centrifugal forces that can reach 4 to 5g.
Materials will wear more quickly than in normal flight. If you do practice